loss of hair and bad smell

Question
Hi
 my question is my black lab seems to be shedding her hair pretty bad to the point where she is bald on mostly leg area she scratches alot and seems to have pretty bad odor .
  was wondering if you can tell me probable causes and cure thank you .
                 Ed

Answer
Hi Ed,

Your lab, most likely , has mange.  There are two different kinds of mange.  One is called Sarcoptic Mange, and is easy to get rid of.  You can buy an over the counter dip at a pet shop or feed store.  Just follow the directions.  The other kind, called Demotec Mange  (not sure on the spelling) is harder to get rid of, and the dip is not sold over the counter , that I know of, but must be gotten through a veterinarian.  Your vet can take a skin scraping and tell you which one it is for sure.  If you are short on money and want to get the dip for Sarcoptic, then by all means try it.  If there is no improvement, then you will know its the other kind.   
I cannot say, since obviously I can't see your dog, for positive that it is the mange, but it sure sounds like it.   Be sure to treat her,  it will only get worse.

God Bless,
Becky